Use a Computer

The library has public computers with Internet access. This describes our access policy, including the policy for children which includes an access agreement, and the policy regarding computer disk usage.

Internet Access Policy

The purpose of public access to the Internet is to provide a tool or information resource to be used to fulfill the Library's mission of promoting intellectual freedom, life-long learning, and the enhancement of cultural and leisure activities.

In order to provide access to as many users as possible, the Library may place time constraints on the use of Library equipment.

The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population, and library patrons use it at their own risk.

Just as the Library does not restrict access to other material forms and formats, we cannot refuse access to Internet content that someone else may deem objectionable. The principals of intellectual freedom that apply to the traditional library also apply to the modern electronic access library.

As with other Library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The Library cannot control or monitor information accessed through the Internet and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of its content. The Library does not act in place or in absence of the parent and is not responsible for enforcing any restrictions with a parent or guardian may place on a minor's use of this resource.

To ensure parental approval of internet access, all youth under the age of majority must have a signed permission slip on file at the library in order to use the internet. This form must be renewed annually and must be signed in the presence of a library staff person.

Parents: Please review this policy on internet use rules with your children.

Computers at Mellinger Memorial Library are NOT filtered. Patrons are responsible for their own internet using behavior including chatting, instant messaging, gaming, etc. Any patron who is misbehaving or misusing the computers or the internet (intentionally damaging the computers, abusive language or pictures, software piracy, unauthorized use, attempts to learn the password of other users, and destruction or alteration of data belonging to other users) will lose internet privileges. All Library patrons requesting to use the computer must verify that their account is in good standing by presenting their library card at the circulation desk each time they sign up to use an internet station. Patrons who owe $2.50 or more in fines or fees or who have outstanding overdue items on their card may not use the internet. Length of use is limited to 30 minutes at a time if someone is waiting and a total of 2 hours per day. That time limit may be extended by the librarian if no one else is waiting. The number of persons per station is limited to two. There is a 10/25 cent charge for each page printed from the internet. Patrons may be bumped by the next user if necessary ( a need for homework or to print) at the librarian's discretion.

Computer Disks and Patron's Policy

To prevent viruses from infecting the library computer system, no "outside disks" may be used on the computers in Mellinger Memorial Library.

If a patron wishes to back up material from a computer on which s/he has been working, the library will sell a disk to the patron from our supply. The disk will then remain here in the library.

A charge of $.50 per disk applies to discs that are taken home; however, this disc cannot be brought back to the library.